4th March 2002

---

Adams calls for people to vote No on March 6th

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP speaking prior to addressing a public meeting in Meath this evening has called on people to vote NO on March 6th. Mr. Adams said:

``With less than two days to go to polling, the electorate is as confused as ever about the government's referendum. We now face a proposal seeking to insert legislation into the Constitution that even its supporters cannot fully explain.

``Sinn Fein is calling for a No vote on Wednesday because we believe that this referendum is flawed and because the proposals do not adequately address or resolve the complex issues involved. They do not have due regard to the equal right to life of the mother and will eliminate suicide as a ground for access to abortion. And whatever the outcome, some 6,000 women every year will still leave Ireland to have their pregnancies terminated.

``We are also concerned that little attention has been paid in the debate to the need for comprehensive measures to assist women with crisis pregnancies. The establishment of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, which will serve as an umbrella body, co-ordinating policy and strategy, is an inadequate response from the government.

``This is an extremely difficult issue for everyone as there are a variety of strongly and sincerely held views across society.  But Sinn Fein believes that the proposed amendment is a backward step and that it should be rejected. I urge people to Vote No on March 6th.''

---

Sinn Fein Press Office, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
E-mail: sinnfein@irlnet.com   ·   Website: http://www.sinnfein.org

---

Sinn Fein   ·   Sinn Fein Documents

---